Acting Coach | Double MFA (Europe & USA) | MFA Faculty | Stage & Film | Public Speaking | Honoring Your Individuality | Michael Chekhov Technique

Learn more about Dominika

• 1) When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I started very early with music, I began playing piano at around six years old. I remember being fascinated by a music stand (!) during one of my lessons and thinking it was such a magical object that I had to play an instrument that used one, so I started learning the violin. That became my main instrument for the next twelve years of classical training. Later, when I was around thirteen, I started taking acting courses and singing classes, and I’ve never let go of that path since. Over time, acting and singing became deeply connected for me, and that’s how my passion fully developed.

• 2) Which artists or works affect you the most?

  In theater, I’m strongly influenced by Michael Chekhov, whose work continues to shape my approach to acting. I’m also inspired by Uta Hagen and the Lucid Body technique. In music, some of my favorite artists are Lianne La Havas, Leonard Cohen, Glen Hansard, and Joni Mitchell. In the classical world, I love composers like Frédéric Chopin, Claude Debussy, Karol Szymanowski, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

• 3) What are the qualities and skills required to succeed in this area?

  Definitely hard work and patience 🙂 But I truly believe that at the core of a good artist is a deep sense of connection - to themselves and to the world around them. That’s what allows us to create work that feels authentic and meaningful.

• 4) What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  Remember why you started - the initial spark, that seed of passion that made you want to pursue this in the first place. And also think about who it’s for: what you want to share, what you want to give to your audience, and why it matters to you. When you stay connected to that, it becomes much easier to stay focused and keep going.

• 5) How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  I love the creativity and teamwork that come with every theater production, film set, and music group. There’s something really special about how performative art can bring people together and create a shared experience. For me, it’s also a way of getting to know myself and others on a deeper level, through acting and exploring the voice, you tap into emotions, perspectives, and connections you might not access otherwise. It makes me feel both grounded and inspired at the same time.

• 6) What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  I’m really proud of a few key milestones in my journey. Receiving a Fulbright Program was a huge honor and a meaningful recognition of my work. I’m also proud to be certified by the Michael Chekhov Association in my favorite acting technique, and to serve as faculty both there and at my alma mater, Brooklyn College.
  
  As a performer, there are several roles that are especially close to my heart. I loved being part of Once the Musical in Brooklyn, playing the lead role of Cassandra in Cassandra at Teatro LaTea, and portraying the iconic Polish singer Maria Koterbska in a biographical musical about her life in Poland. Each of these experiences challenged me in different ways and helped shape me as both an artist and a teacher.

• 7) Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  Yes, so many times! I love when students are open, curious, and receptive, I give them tools and very quickly they start using them on their own and getting creative. My favorite moment is when it clicks and they say, “oh, that’s actually easier than I thought.”

• 8) Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  I love staying open and receptive to what each individual student brings, and adjusting my teaching to their needs. I keep the space encouraging and friendly, and I really care about each student feeling safe and seen, that’s when they can truly open up, take risks, and grow.